Quad lock release device

ABSTRACT

A quick release device having four release mechanisms and two levels of safety. The device includes a locking cover secured overtop a tumbler release mechanism. The locking cover includes two latches in opposing relation that are circumferentially guarded and require simultaneous actuation to unlock the cover. The cover can be translated about the main body of the device to reveal the tumbler release mechanism. The tumbler release mechanism requires simultaneous actuation of opposing release pins to release a tumbler carrying a load. Upon release, the tumbler falls from the quick release device. The two levels of safety that each require simultaneous actuation of their respective release actuators all but eliminate the possibility of accidental release of the load from the device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This nonprovisional application claims priority to nonprovisionalapplication Ser. No. 16/424,586, “QUAD LOCK RELEASE DEVICE,” filed May29, 2019 by the same inventor, now U.S. Pat. No. 10,844,932, whichclaims priority to provisional application No. 62/677,279, entitled“QUAD LOCK RELEASE DEVICE,” filed May 29, 2018 by the same inventor.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates, generally, to quick release devices. Morespecifically, it relates to a novel quick release device that can beused in helicopter hoisting operations.

2. Brief Description of the Prior Art

In the world of helicopter rescue, there is often a need in manyoperational instances to give the rescuer the ability to disconnect fromthe helicopter cable while the cable is under a load. This need canarise in many different situations. For example, a rescuer may need todisconnect from the helicopter if the helicopter is having mechanical orstability issues, or if the rescue line or rescuer becomes snagged orentangled on parts of a ship or a tree or is being drug through a bodyof water. In each of these situations, the rescuer may need todisconnect from the rescue cable to avoid further life-threateningissues.

The first release device used in helicopter rescue was the CapewellRelease, which was originally designed for use in military parachutes.The Capewell design is a two-action device: the cover is pulled downrevealing a cable ring, which is then pulled to release the load, i.e.release the parachute canopy. Should a soldier land in heavy winds andbe unable to deflate his canopy, the Capewell Release allows the soldierto disconnect from the canopy to avoid any serious injury.

When the U.S. Navy—the first military operators to lower rescuers viahelicopter—needed a quick release device, they adopted the Capewelldevice because they were familiar with the device and it was an approvedpiece of military hardware. The Capewell device, however, included amajor safety flaw when used in helicopter hoisting operations. The coverof the Capewell device is easily opened if it becomes snagged, forexample, on a tree. Parachutes only descend, so the chance of snaggingopen the cover of the Capewell in use for a paratrooper was all but nil.In helicopters, the rescuer equipped with the quick release is hoisteddown and up. On numerous occasions over the life of the device inhelicopter operations, the cover of the Capewell release has beenopened, leaving rescuers just one short tug or snag away from falling totheir deaths. Additionally, the Capewell cover is difficult to reset,requiring dexterity and concentration. Once released, the cover is offuntil the rescuer is either on the ground or hoisted back up into thehelicopter.

Some integrators, like CMC Rescue, mounted the Capewell and used aVelcro-closed cover to handle the snagging problem, adding a third stepto the quick release function. The modified device was safer butcompromised the ability of the rescuer to quickly operator the releasedevice.

For an extensive period, a purpose-built release device for helicopterrescue that was capable of releasing under a load and providing a safeand fast release was unavailable. The first purpose-built release devicefor helicopter rescue operations adapted to release under a load was theLiteFlite Quick Release Box (QRB). The QRB is operated by twisting thecover clockwise, then depressing the cover. There are several drawbacksto the QRB:

-   1. The pressure required to release the load changes significantly    based on the weight of the load and is limited to 150 Kilograms, a    force above which the device will not release the load.-   2. Many users complain that the box must be against the wearers body    to provide a stop for the back of the device, which is rarely    possible in practical application.-   3. The device can only be used in one direction—it has a front and    back side.-   4. The cover must be held and twisted on one side of the box to    unlock.-   5. The maintenance is significant and includes complete disassembly    and lubrication annually to avoid corrosion.

Currently, there are no devices on the market that meet the real-worldrequirements of a purpose built quick release device for human externalcargo (HEC) operations, that include:

-   1. An ability to release under a range of loads, up to 300    kilograms.-   2. A two-stage operation, with two locking features to secure the    load.-   3. A specific design to avoid inadvertent actuation or snagging of    the first locking feature.-   4. A specific design to avoid inadvertent actuation or snagging of    the final locking feature.-   5. Single-handed actuation from either direction and front to back    symmetry.-   6. Operability regardless of the direction of pull.-   7. A construction of non-corroding material to withstand the    maritime environment with little to no maintenance.

Accordingly, what is needed is an improved quick release device.However, in view of the art considered as a whole at the time thepresent invention was made, it was not obvious to those of ordinaryskill in the field of this invention how the shortcomings of the priorart could be overcome.

All referenced publications are incorporated herein by reference intheir entirety. Furthermore, where a definition or use of a term in areference, which is incorporated by reference herein, is inconsistent orcontrary to the definition of that term provided herein, the definitionof that term provided herein applies and the definition of that term inthe reference does not apply.

While certain aspects of conventional technologies have been discussedto facilitate disclosure of the invention, Applicants in no way disclaimthese technical aspects, and it is contemplated that the claimedinvention may encompass one or more of the conventional technicalaspects discussed herein.

The present invention may address one or more of the problems anddeficiencies of the prior art discussed above. However, it iscontemplated that the invention may prove useful in addressing otherproblems and deficiencies in a number of technical areas. Therefore, theclaimed invention should not necessarily be construed as limited toaddressing any of the particular problems or deficiencies discussedherein.

In this specification, where a document, act or item of knowledge isreferred to or discussed, this reference or discussion is not anadmission that the document, act or item of knowledge or any combinationthereof was at the priority date, publicly available, known to thepublic, part of common general knowledge, or otherwise constitutes priorart under the applicable statutory provisions; or is known to berelevant to an attempt to solve any problem with which thisspecification is concerned.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The long-standing but heretofore unfulfilled need for an improved quickrelease device for HEC operations is now met by a new, useful, andnonobvious invention.

The novel structure includes a main body having a first attachment pointand a tumbler having a second attachment point. The tumbler isreleasably secured to the main body. A first tumbler release actuatorand a second tumbler release actuator are adapted to release the tumblerfrom the main body when the first tumbler release actuator and thesecond tumbler release actuator are actuated. The device furtherincludes a cover having a first locked position and a second unlockedposition. In the first locked position, the cover covers at least aportion of the first tumbler release actuator and at least a portion ofthe second tumbler release actuator, thereby preventing actuation of thefirst and second tumbler release actuators. In the second position thefirst tumbler release actuator and the second tumbler release actuatorare exposed and thus actuatable by a user.

The cover includes a first cover release actuator and a second coverrelease actuator. The cover can be moved from the first position to thesecond position when both the first and second cover release actuatorsare actuated. The tumbler is released from the main body when the coveris in the second position and the first and second tumbler releaseactuators are actuated.

In an embodiment, the first cover release actuator is located on thecover at a location that is opposite to a location of the second coverrelease actuator. In an embodiment, the first tumbler release actuatoris located on the main body at a location that is opposite to a locationof the second tumbler release actuator.

In an embodiment, each of the first and the second cover releaseactuators are adapted to be compressed in a first plane. In addition,each of the first and second tumbler release actuators are adapted to becompressed in a second plane that is not coplanar with the first plane.

An embodiment includes a circumferential guard surrounding each of thefirst and second cover release actuators. An embodiment includes a firstconcave depression in the cover in which the first cover releaseactuator resides and a second concave depression in the cover in whichthe second cover release actuator resides.

In an embodiment, the release of the tumbler requires simultaneousactuation of the first and second tumbler release actuators. In anembodiment, the cover requires simultaneous actuation of the first andsecond cover release actuators.

These and other important objects, advantages, and features of theinvention will become clear as this disclosure proceeds.

The invention accordingly comprises the features of construction,combination of elements, and arrangement of parts that will beexemplified in the disclosure set forth hereinafter and the scope of theinvention will be indicated in the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a fuller understanding of the invention, reference should be made tothe following detailed description, taken in connection with theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of the present invention in thelocked position.

FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of the locking cover in the unlockedposition.

FIG. 4 is an exploded view of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a front perspective view of the present invention with thecover removed.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view depicting the tumbler after it hasbeen released from the main body and has begun rotating away from themain body under the force of a load.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments,reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a partthereof, and within which are shown by way of illustration specificembodiments by which the invention may be practiced. It is to beunderstood that other embodiments may be utilized, and structuralchanges may be made without departing from the scope of the invention.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singularforms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the contentclearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and theappended claims, the term “or” is generally employed in its senseincluding “and/or” unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

Those who work in helicopter search and rescue are often required tohave a means by which they can disconnect from hoisting or restrainingdevices while under a load. The present invention is an improvement toquick release devices that allow rescuers to easily and quickly releasethemselves from the helicopter, while also eliminating the possibilityof the quick release device from being inadvertently actuated. Whilethis application specifically refers to quick release devices forhelicopters, a person of ordinary skill in the art would recognize thatthe quick release device could be used in other situations.

An embodiment of the present invention is depicted in FIGS. 1-6. Asdepicted, quick release device 10 includes upper attachment point 11 onmain body 18 and lower attachment point 13 on tumbler 26. Upperattachment point 11 is intended to provide a point on which a hook orrope/cable can be secured and lower attachment point 13 provides thesame. The quick release device resides between the personnel beinghoisted (i.e. the load) and the hoisting device (e.g. a helicopter).Both upper and lower attachment points 11, 13 are depicted in specificshapes, but those shapes can vary without departing from the scope ofthis invention.

Quick release device 10 further includes locking cover 12 having a pairof cover release actuators, jointly denoted by reference numeral 14.Cover release actuators 14 are exemplarily depicted as latches; however,an embodiment could use any actuator known to a person of ordinary skillin the art. An embodiment includes each cover release actuator 14disposed on an opposite side of locking cover 12 in first plane 50 (seeFIG. 3). As depicted, cover release actuators 14 are disposed on a frontsurface of locking cover 12 and on a rear surface of locking cover 12.However, an embodiment may include the cover release actuators 14disposed on the lateral sides or the top and bottom surfaces of cover 12rather than the front and rear surfaces. The oppositely arrangedconfiguration of cover release actuators 14 aids in preventingunintentional actuation of both cover release actuators 14.

An embodiment requires the actuation of both cover release actuators 14to release cover 12 and allow cover 12 to transition between a lockedposition (see FIGS. 1-2) and an unlocked position (see FIG. 3).Preferably, both cover release actuators 14 must be simultaneouslyactuated to enable the transition of cover 12 between a locked positionand an unlocked position. The simultaneous actuation of both coverrelease actuators 14 aids in preventing unintentional transition ofcover 12 between a locked position and an unlocked position.

In an embodiment, unlike the Capewell Riser Release, locking cover 12 ofthe present invention can be easily reset into the safe locked position,even during hoisting, by simply translating locking cover 12 in theopposite direction back to its locked position. In this embodiment,actuation of cover release actuators 14 is not required whentransitioning from an unlocked position to a locked position, whichensures that the cover can be reset quickly as needed.

Cover release actuators, which are exemplarily depicted as latches 14,protrude through locking cover 12 and are surrounded by raisedcircumferential guards 15. Latches 14 preferably do not extend outwardlypast the outward extension of circumferential guards 15. As such,latches 14 are fully/concentrically guarded from inadvertent actuation.Effectively, locking cover 12 can only be released through dualactuation of latches 14 by a human hand. This design, previously unseenin helicopter rescue equipment, provides the greatest possibleprotection against snags, bumps, or other accidental unlocking of thelocking cover of the device.

In an embodiment, cover 12 includes depressions 17 extending inwardlywithin the circumference of circumferential guards 15. Latches 14protrude through depressions 17. An embodiment may rely on eithercircumferential guards or depressions (with the cover acting as a guard)to protect the latches from accidental actuation. Regardless of whetherthe embodiment employs raised circumferential guards or a depressioninto the cover, the latches preferably do not extend beyond the guardsor covers, respectively such that a specific degree of precision isrequired to depress the latches.

As will be explained further below, latches 14 must be actuated totranslate locking cover 12, which is the first step in completing therelease procedure. There is some degree of depression of latches 14 thatdoes not release cover 12, which will become apparent in subsequentportions of this disclosure. In an embodiment, the extent of depressionto release cover 12 includes latches 17 being completely depressed. Inother embodiments, the degree of compression requires that the latch bedecompressed within the depression or below the extent to which thecircumferential guards extend outwardly.

An embodiment of the present invention further removes the possibilityof unintentional unlocking, i.e. translation, of locking cover 12, byrelease latches 14 being located in a different plane of actuation incomparison to tumbler release actuators 22. Once cover 12 is unlockedand translated up and away from tumbler 26, as depicted in FIG. 3,tumbler release actuators 22 are exposed. An embodiment includes tumblerrelease actuators 22 being perpendicularly oriented with respect tolatches 14 in locking cover 12, such that purposeful actuation frommultiple directions is required to release tumbler 26. In an embodiment,tumbler release actuators 22 are oppositely located with respect to eachother and require purposeful actuation towards each other in the samesecond plane 55 (see FIG. 5) in order to release tumbler 26. Inaddition, release buttons 16 preferably must be depressedsimultaneously—in opposing directions—to release tumbler 26.

Referring now to FIG. 4, the final release mechanism is guarded bylocking cover 12, which is a dual cover made up of the inserts 12 a, 12b and outer covers 30, riveted together by four cover rivets 32. Inserts28 partially house the opposing, spring-tensioned, self-lockingactuators 14, latch saddles 34, pins 36, and latch springs 38. Eachspring-loaded release latch 14 rests on latch saddle 34. Latch springs38 force latches 14 to pivot about latch pin 36 into a position ofrepose. Latch 14 and saddle 34 pivot about pin 36 when latch 14 iscompressed into depression 17. Compressing latch 14 pivots lower flange40 out of contact with lower end 42 a of latch contact 42 in main body18. As a result, locking cover 12 is unlocked and can be slid up towardsthe upper end 11 of main body 18 to reveal release actuators 22.

In an embodiment, upper end 42 b of latch contact 42 is intended toprevent downward translation of locking cover 12 when latches 14 are notdepressed. Should a user raise cover 12 and expose release actuators 22inadvertently, the cover 12 can be reset safely over release actuators22 by depressing the cover latches 14 and sliding the cover 12 back downthe main body 18 until it comes to rest on a mechanical stop.

An embodiment, however, may include latch contact 42 having alongitudinal extent that extends beyond the vertical distance thatlatches 14 travel when moved into the unlocked position, therebyensuring that latches 14 will not reside upper end 42 b of latch contact42 above and prevent cover 12 from being translated back into a lockedposition without first actuating latches 14. An embodiment may alsoinclude latches 14 having a rounded bottom ends and/or upper end 42 bhaving a round shape to allow the latches to automatically slide aroundupper end 42 b when cover 12 is forced downwards from the unlockedposition to the locked position.

Referring now to FIGS. 4-6, main body 18 of the device houses releasesprings 20 and receives release actuators 22, which pass throughapertures 24 in main body 18. Release springs 20 provide a biasing forceto hold release actuators 22 in the locked position as depicted in FIGS.3 and 5. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 5-6, release actuators 22 engagerelease springs 20. It is considered that any type of connection knownto a person of ordinary skill in the art may be used to place springs 20and release actuators 22 into mechanical communication.

Release actuators 22 hold release tumbler 26 in a secured position whenrelease actuators 22 are in their locked position. As best depicted inFIGS. 4 and 6, upper end of tumbler 26 includes two semi-circularpedestals 26 a that mate with release pins 22. Likewise, the bottom endof release tumbler 26 includes two semi-circular pedestals 26 b thatrest on rounded lower shelf 19 of main body 18. In an embodiment, lowershelf 19 is curved to ensure that release tumbler 26 rotates out ofvertical alignment with main body 18 when subject to a load and releasedby release actuators 22. In an embodiment, tumbler 26 includes a centerof gravity that is offset towards a particular half of tumbler 26 toensure that tumbler 26 falls in the direction to which the center ofgravity is offset. An embodiment may also include a specific curvatureon either semi-circular pedestals 26 b or lower shelf 19 to causetumbler 26 to rotate in a specific direction when released.

Release actuators 22 include release notches 21 through which thesemicircular pedestals 26 a on the upper end of release tumbler 26 maypass. Release notches 21 are position along the length of releaseactuators 22 at a predetermined location. The predetermined location ispositioned such that upper pedestals 26 a are out of lateral alignmentwith release notches 21 when release actuators 22 are in the lockedposition. When release actuators 22 are forced into a release position(inwards towards each other as shown in FIG. 6) release notches 21 moveinto lateral alignment with upper pedestals 26 a and the load causesrelease tumbler 26 to rotate out of vertical alignment with main body 18and freely fall away from the device.

As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, an embodiment includes back stops 25that prevent tumbler 26 from rotating towards the back of main housing18. Back stops 25 help ensure that the tumbler and attached load fallfrom the quick release device in a predetermined direction. Back stops25 may be any structural stop to prevent tumbler 26 from rotatingtowards a predetermined side of quick release device 10.

In an embodiment, both the cover release actuators and the tumblerrelease actuators can be any actuator known to a person of ordinaryskill in the art. An embodiment may use rotatable cover releaseactuators and/or rotatable tumbler release actuators, rather thandepressible actuators. An embodiment may also use a button-type actuatorfor the cover release actuator rather than a latch-type actuator.

The device is preferably made from materials that can withstand heavyloads and harsh environmental factors. Some preferred material choicesare provided below. Both the main body and tumbler are preferably forgedfrom 17-4 stainless steel and then machined to create the necessarydetails for proper operation. The metal covers are preferably eithermachined or formed by cutting and stamping methods. The latch bracketsare preferably stamped and formed stainless steel. The release pins arepreferably machined from stainless steel as are the latch pins. Thecover latches are preferably laser cut or stamped from stainless steel.The inserts are preferably either 3D printed or injection molded from avariety of plastics, glass-filled nylon being preferred. The coverrivets, latch springs, and the release springs are preferably procuredfrom available commercial sources, manufactured to specification. Thetumbler may be affixed to sufficiently strong webbing or other materialsthat suspend or take a load. The parts are assembled, and the device ispreferably held as a single unit by four cover rivets.

The advantages set forth above, and those made apparent from theforegoing description, are efficiently attained. Since certain changesmay be made in the above construction without departing from the scopeof the invention, it is intended that all matters contained in theforegoing description or shown in the accompanying drawings shall beinterpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense.

It is also to be understood that the following claims are intended tocover all of the generic and specific features of the invention hereindescribed, and all statements of the scope of the invention that, as amatter of language, might be said to fall therebetween.

What is claimed is:
 1. A quick release device, comprising: a main bodyhaving a first attachment point; a tumbler having a second attachmentpoint; the tumbler releasably secured to the main body; a first tumblerrelease actuator and a second tumbler release actuator adapted torelease the tumbler from the main body when the first tumbler releaseactuator and the second tumbler release actuator are actuated; a coverhaving: a first position covering at least a portion of the firsttumbler release actuator and at least a portion of the second tumblerrelease actuator; a second position in which the first tumbler releaseactuator and the second tumbler release actuator are exposed; a firstcover release actuator and a second cover release actuator, wherein thefirst cover release actuator and the second cover release actuator areseparate components that are independently actuatable; wherein the covercan be moved from the first position to the second position when boththe first and second cover release actuators are independently actuated;whereby the tumbler can be released from the main body when the cover isin the second position and the first and second tumbler releaseactuators are actuated.
 2. The quick release device of claim 1, furtherincluding the first cover release actuator located on the cover at alocation that is opposite to a location of the second cover releaseactuator.
 3. The quick release device of claim 1, further including thefirst tumbler release actuator located on the main body at a locationthat is opposite to a location of the second tumbler release actuator.4. The quick release device of claim 1, further including: each of thefirst cover release actuator and the second cover release actuatoradapted to be compressed in a first plane; each of the first tumblerrelease actuator and the second tumbler release actuator adapted to becompressed in a second plane; and wherein the first plane and the secondplane are not coplanar.
 5. The quick release device of claim 1, furtherincluding a circumferential guard surrounding each of the first coverrelease actuator and the second cover release actuator.
 6. The quickrelease device of claim 1, further including a first concave depressionin the cover in which the first cover release actuator resides and asecond concave depression in the cover in which the second cover releaseactuator resides.
 7. The quick release device of claim 1, wherein therelease of the tumbler requires simultaneously actuating of the firstand second tumbler release actuators.
 8. The quick release device ofclaim 1, wherein movement of the cover from the first position to thesecond position requires simultaneously actuating of the first andsecond cover release actuators.
 9. A quick release device, comprising: amain body having a first attachment point; a tumbler having a secondattachment point; the tumbler releasably secured to the main body; afirst tumbler release actuator and a second tumbler release actuatoradapted to release the tumbler from the main body when the first tumblerrelease actuator and the second tumbler release actuator are actuated; acover having: a first position covering at least a portion of the firsttumbler release actuator and at least a portion of the second tumblerrelease actuator; a second position in which the first tumbler releaseactuator and the second tumbler release actuator are exposed; a firstcover release actuator and a second cover release actuator, wherein thecover can be moved from the first position to the second position whenboth the first and second cover release actuators are actuated; wherebythe tumbler cannot be released from the main body when the cover is inthe first position.
 10. The quick release device of claim 9, furtherincluding the first cover release actuator located on the cover at alocation that is opposite to a location of the second cover releaseactuator.
 11. The quick release device of claim 9, further including thefirst tumbler release actuator located on the main body at a locationthat is opposite to a location of the second tumbler release actuator.12. The quick release device of claim 9, further including acircumferential guard surrounding each of the first cover releaseactuator and the second cover release actuator.
 13. The quick releasedevice of claim 9, further including: each of the first cover releaseactuator and the second cover release actuator adapted to be actuated ina first plane; and each of the first tumbler release actuator and thesecond tumbler release actuator adapted to be actuated in a secondplane, wherein the second plane is not coplanar with the first plane.14. The quick release device of claim 9, wherein the release of thetumbler requires simultaneously actuating the first and second tumblerrelease actuators.
 15. The quick release device of claim 9, whereinmovement of the cover from the first position to the second positionrequires simultaneously actuating of the first and second cover releaseactuators.
 16. A quick release device, comprising: a main body having afirst attachment point; a tumbler having a second attachment point; thetumbler releasably secured to the main body; a first tumbler releaseactuator and a second tumbler release actuator, wherein the first andsecond tumbler release actuators each have a locked position in whichthe tumbler cannot become detached from the main body; the first andsecond tumbler release actuators each having an unlocked position,wherein the tumbler is released from the main body when the firsttumbler release actuator and the second tumbler release actuator aredirectly actuated by a user; a cover having: a first position coveringat least a portion of the first tumbler release actuator and at least aportion of the second tumbler release actuator, thereby preventingactuation of the first and second tumbler release actuators; a secondposition in which the first tumbler release actuator and the secondtumbler release actuator are exposed; a first cover release actuator anda second cover release actuator, wherein the first and second coverrelease actuators each have a position of repose during which the firstand second cover release actuators prevent the cover from moving fromthe first position to the second position; whereby the tumbler can bereleased from the main body when the cover is in the second position andthe first and second tumbler release actuators are actuated.
 17. Thequick release device of claim 16, further including: each of the firstcover release actuator and the second cover release actuator adapted tobe compressed in a first plane; each of the first tumbler releaseactuator and the second tumbler release actuator adapted to becompressed in a second plane; and wherein the first plane and the secondplane are not coplanar.
 18. The quick release device of claim 16,further including a circumferential guard surrounding each of the firstcover release actuator and the second cover release actuator.
 19. Thequick release device of claim 16, further including a first concavedepression in the cover in which the first cover release actuatorresides and a second concave depression in the cover in which the secondcover release actuator resides.
 20. The quick release device of claim16, wherein the release of the tumbler requires simultaneous actuationof the first and second tumbler release actuators and movement of thecover from the first position to the second position requiressimultaneous actuation of the first and second cover release actuators.